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Hi: Nervous today. I am scheduled to meet with a surgeon today. My lap band surgeon (has started doing sleeves 6 months ago) suggested that I meet with this surgeon because he has more experience than the surgeon that did my band. My hopes are that he thinks I'm a good candidate and that he says that I should have my first surgeon do the surgery because I'm really not much higher risk than other sleeve patients and that I can have the surgery in April. I know it will take a lot of good fortune for these things to happen. Appointments so far completed 12/20/13 Consult with first (and preferred) surgeon. 2/11/14 - Upper GI (mild gastritis, small hiatal hernia, still had food in stomach after more than 11 hours), 3/1 bariatric emptying study (abnormal - slowly emptying), 3/13 second opinion. First Lapband 7/26/07, Second Lapband 7/23/10, Erosion and removal 7/30/13, Post-op infection 8/11 and hospitalized 4 more days. Positive thoughts and good wishes please. I'll keep you posted. Thanks. Sue

Hi DJMohr! Sorry to hear about your 2nd surgery. I saw "spine surgery through the throat" and immediately shuddered! You're a brave lady. Have you taken a look at theworldaccordingtoeggface? I tried to grab the website for you but I'm at work and they block blogs. She's a bariatric patient and has a ton of recipes. She has a baked ricotta recipe on there that looks delicious! Hope that helps!

Welcome Terri7225, there's a thread on the bypass forum for February 2018, you might even find a surgery twin there. At any rate you're among friends we all are fighting or have fought in the diet wars and are committed to better health and a longer lifespan. Bariatric Pal is a great resource, I've learned so,much from others experiences. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app

And Welcome also from Me, Red-headed, one- half the size I used to be, if I tell you I am now in the 180s you probably figure out how BIG I used to be. Anyway I'm 5 days past my 1st year Surgiversity, thrilled with my size Now, I can see my GOAL in sight of 175, and, ah yes I AM 73 YEARS young, so had my RNY at 72 and will turn 74 on December 26th. So if you need inspiration or ANYTHING I'm usually close to my Smartphone and love chatting and helping where I can. I really have learned SO MUCH since I joined Bariatric Pal. And my favorite protein shake is Ensure High Protein in 🍓 Strawberry, it honestly reminds me of Nestle Strawberry Quik. No nasty after taste, not all that expensive, get mine from my local Wal-Mart.

Hi. I had my surgery 11/23/15. I measure everything so i don't over eat. I am still at 1/2-3/4 cup total per meal at the most. I've lost 70 so far. I always get in my Water and only 3 meals a day. I never snack to avoid bad grazing habits. That would be my down fall. I don't ever eat any chip type or bars of any kind because I also feel for me this would trigger me into eating my old types of foods. The cravings are gone so this is easy for me. Eat my Protein first and i use reduced fat whenever i can. I am always reading labels and I don't like artificial ingredients if I can help it. I always have a protein drink in the morning with almond milk and that starts me out with 50 grams of protein in the beginning of each day. No caffeine or carbonation. I will drink a protein drink every morning probably for the rest of my life. Makes me feel good and it tastes good too. I use Jay Robb chocolate and i love it. I use the Bariatric fusion chewable wafers and I take 4 per day which is super easy (2 am 2 pm). From what i read I think snacking is what gets people in trouble. Its all about the quantity. I also use the Baritastic app to track what i eat all day. Then i record them in a journal once a week so i have a permanent record. So far so good. For me all this works. For others it could be a different story.

I got chewable Vitamins from Building Blocks: Building Blocks - Essential Bariatric supplements They specialize in vitamins for bariatric surgery patients. I also got chewable glucosamine from Vitamins: Alternative Health Supplements & Vitamin Nutrition Supplements - VitaminShoppe.com My doctor recommended calcium citrate, multi-vitamin without Iron, iron supplement taken at least hours later than calcium, and B-12 spray. I take the multi-vitamin, calcium, and B-12 in the morning and evening, glucosamine in the morning, Fiber Choice in the morning and evening, Pepcid Complete in the morning and evening, and iron in the mid-afternoon. Believe, taking all these vitamins is like eating a meal!

My main concern with RNY was the increased limitations, should we need a serious drug up the road that is not adaptable to our new system. I do believe with the huge (pun intended) increase in bariatric surgery, more and more pharmaceutical companies are taking our dilemma to heart (and to the bank also)! Though surgeon said no more aspirin again, ever! You betcha one will be headed down my throat fast if a heart attack is suspected— Judgment in emergency situations. I believe NSAID’s are out for Sleevers just as they are for RNY-ers.? Not sure tho.. Nutrient absorption was also a RNY concern..but if you are a disciplined person who will take your supplements FAITHFULLY, for life, and ensure you eat balanced NUTRIENT RICH foods, I believe all will be well. Certainly will be healthier than the SICK route I faced with obesity.🤧

I got a fill this past Thursday. It seems to have a little more, but I'm finding I still feel I'm not feeling satisfied and I eat a bit more and don't feel full at all. But like I said, I feel a bit better. My doctor was still pleased cause I still lost in that month. She said I'm being too hard on myself! She's probably right! ???? I tend to get hard on myself more than I should! I'm glad I did this though. I've lost 30 lbs since my surgery, so that makes me happy. I do feel better and healthier already and I don't want to go back to the way I felt again. I'm seeing an eating disorder psychologist. She's more about anorexia and bulimia, so I'm here first bariatric client. But she did tell me, if I want results I have to realize that to obtain that I cannot use old habits for new change. I honestly allow some things I shouldn't have, but it's more of a small bite. I realize I'm not perfect and if I do well, I eat a tablespoon of sugar free ice cream. I eat it slow and let the little licks totally melt before I swallow to savor, to make it seem longer and have more of a lasting feeling. My psychologist also reminded me, I'm not perfect, but I don't want to live in those chains anymore. I'm 43 and this weight has robbed so much of my life! I've got to learn to give up one or the other and bei mg overweight has caused depression and loss of joy. I don't want wrong choices to run me anymore

Kaiser Fremont Bariatrics recommends the following labs at 6 mo., 1 year and then annually: Chem 10, ALT, AST, PT, Albumin, Prealbumin, Ferritin, Iron/TIBC, CBC, Serum B12, RBC folate, B1, 25 OH Vit D, PTH, Alk phos(metabolic bone disease) Vit A, glucose, lipids, HbA1c. Use “PNL BAR” in Order Entry in HC, Consider copper deficiency if unresolved hypochromic anemia. They also recommend annual bone density screening.

I'm posting this because I had trouble finding it on this site and saw that several other people were looking for something similar too. This has to be on your PCP's letterhead. Bring this with you to your appointment with your PCP for medical clearance (I even filled mine out myself!) [Date] Re: [patient’s name] Date of Birth: To whom it may concern: [Patient’s name] has been a patient of mine for [insert number] years. Patient is [insert height] tall and weighs [insert weight] pounds for a calculated BMI of [insert number]. This patient has been excessively overweight for the last [insert number of years] and will benefit from Bariatric surgery. The patient is medically cleared for surgery. An EKG [also insert names of other tests included such as laboratory tests, stress test, echocardiogram, sleep study and/or PFT] is provided with this letter. In addition to morbid obesity, the patient is suffering from the following co-morbid conditions: [insert conditions, e.g. exertional dyspnea, urinary incontinence, obstructive sleep apnea, hypertension, diabetes, degenerative joint disease, osteoarthritis, hypercholesterolemia, hyperlipidemia, shortness of breath, etc]. The patient has tried many methods of weight loss including appetite suppressants for [iF appetite suppressants were tried - insert length of time], with [insert number of pounds lost and whether they were regained or not], physician-administered diet plans for [insert length of time] and [insert number of pounds lost and whether they were regained or not], Weight Watchers, etc. The patient is limited due to his/her co-morbidities in his/her ability to exercise but has tried [list all attempts and any successes or regaining of weight]. Family medical history is positive for [insert medical conditions, e.g. obesity, hypertension, diabetes, hypercholesterolemia, etc]. I am supportive of this patient’s desire to proceed with Bariatric surgery. The patient has a good understanding of the risks involved and reasonable expectations and understands the importance of being compliant with all post-surgical requirements. I will also continue to support this patient’s primary care needs should they proceed with surgical intervention. I am respectfully requesting consideration for Bariatric surgery. Thank you for your attention in this matter. Sincerely, [signature and typed name of PCP]

My surgery is at MedStar Washington. My PCP recommended their Bariatric program which has taught me a LOT through their group workshops.

She is incorrect that either ibuprofen or diphenhydramine (Benadryl) are appetite stimulants. Some people retain modest amounts of Fluid in association with ibuprofen use. Neither drug is commonly associated with constipation, though Benadryl, being an antihistamine, theoretically might contribute to it. (As an antihistamine, it also tends to be appetite suppressant.) I know you're looking for answers. Trainers are not, in general, a reliable source of information about medications. Or, diet---particularly bariatric diet--unless they have additional certification. ETA: Suppose she were right, though. How could using Benadryl possibly have sabotaged your weight loss efforts? Water retention is temporary; fat loss occurs even if you retain fluid.

TKE I forwarded your post to a bariatric doctor here and she said that your trainer is pretty much dead on! Thanks for posting this!

Okay, I hate to keep this saga going, but now it seems that the insurance approval department at my doctor's office has messed up and submitted me under his partner (for which I was accepted). I just spent an hour on the phone with them and since I was approved with a different bariatric surgeon and not my own -- they cancelled it (the approval for his partner to perform the banding) and resubmitted me under my regular doctor...however, it could take a couple of weeks to approve...AGAIN (and I'm not sure what my insurance is going to make of this...I have BCBS). At this rate, I may not be with you February bandsters if my band date gets moved to early March -- but I'll still stay. I'm just totally irritated that -- 1.) They messed up...I've never even met the other surgeon in the practice. 2.) My doctor only does surgeries on Thursdays and is booked up solid. 3.) I've been on the pre-op diet since January 26th and they want me to continue indefinitely...becaused they messed up. I feel really prepared and mentally ready, but things just keep happening. I started researching the band over a year ago and visited the clinic for the first time in October 2010. Sorry to complain so much. All I can say is BOO...major BOO. :sorry: Texas Mama ~ I'm so happy for you! Is your sis making it on time? You are going to do so awesome! I can't wait to hear how it all goes for you. Carollee ~ Hello! Thank you for sharing about the hiatal hernia repair -- how long did the pain last and was it primarily in your shoulder? I haven't really asked about overnight stays -- that's a good thing to mention, especially since I now have more time. How long does your doctor wait for you to have a fill? And, how was the post-op eating? Did you do 1 week Clear liquids, 1 week thicker liquids, and then onto mushies? Again, thank you for your input!

Hey all! New to the forums and getting set with my process for Bariatric surgery. I feel like it's the best choice for me for many reasons, namely it's time to stop lugging an additional person around. I am seriously nervous though, a coworker who recently had the sleeve procedure done had leakage issues and was put in the ICU. What keeps you moving through the butterflies and nerves? What is something if you're post op you'd have done differently in the beginning stages? And for fun, what are you looking most forward to on the otherside of surgery? For me, one of the things I'm most excited to see is when I can shop in a different section of the store. I've worn women's sizes since grade school, it's a whole new world and I figure I'll bawl like a baby when it happens. At any rate, thanks for obliging me!

I'm also three days post op and like you also miserable. I haven't come close to my daily Protein or liquid totals but what I have been doing is sipping, sipping, sipping at Water and my Isopure whenever I think about it even during the night. You don't want dehydration at this early stage. Just keep it simple for now. And my doctor cautioned against using straws as this adds air to your stomach with each sip. Good luck! My diet program can be found under http://www.kp.org/misg Go to bariatric surgery > patient resources

Yes, you've already said that it was in Cincinnati. I've researched all the bariatric surgeons in Cincinnati (there isn't that many). Name the doctor.

It is very likely that you qualify given your comorbitities however you need to check your insurance for their requirements. Most insurance companies require a 40 BMI without comorbitities and a 35 BMI with comorbitities. Given you have several comorbitities it is very likely that you will qualify but only your insurance company can confirm that for you. They can also confirm the requirement for a supervised diet. My insurance company would not have accepted your example. If they don't, don't get discouraged. That time is so important to get yourself prepared for the changes that will come and the time goes by quickly. My wait ended up being right around 9 months and I had a 6 month supervised diet required. Also, they may have other requirements. For example I was only allowed to have this procedure through a Bariatric center of excellence. Your insurance company will help you through the requirements. Best of luck to you!

Hey Mississippi Group!!! I was banded 10/23/07 in Tupelo, through North Mississippi Bariatric Center, Dr. Terry Pinson. I love that whole group! They are very thorough and it's a complete program. I've had 3 fills, have lost 27 lbs so far. I just found this board yesterday - so I'm looking forward to meeting some lifelong friends here..... I was lucky and had insurance cover this for me, although my portion was still around $2000ish.

Just a word of caution if you are considering gaining the few pounds. Some companies require a BMI 35 or over for X years. So the fact that you are under now could start the clock at the point you go over.<br><br>Read your policy carefully. It truly sucks that we take positive steps to improve our health, have some success, need some help, and get shot in the butt for it.<br><br>In your appeal, be sure to mention the FDA's lowering of the BMI standard for lap banding. It might not make a difference, but throw everything you can into the letter! www.obesitylaw.com might have some info to help.<br><br>Best wishes!!! <div><br></div><div>Edited to add this link:</div><div><br></div><div>https://www.healthnet.com/static/general/unprotected/pdfs/national/policies/Bariatric_Surgery_Jan_11.pdf</div><div><br></div><div>I am not sure if the above link applies to all Healthnet policies, but it does say a 2 year history. But it doesn't say in the past two years...so you can make the point of 2 years out of the previous 5 if that is the case.</div><div><br></div><div><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">For at least 2 years or greater, the patient has clinically severe obesity (morbid obesity) defined by <b>either </b>of the following:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Helvetica">• •</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">Body mass index (BMI)* >40 kg/m<span style="font: 6.5px Verdana">2</span>; or</p><p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><br></p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">BMI of > 35 kg/m2 and < 40 kg/m<span style="font: 6.5px Verdana">2 </span>with <b>one or more </b>of the following co- morbidities which are generally expected to be improved, curtailed or reversed by obesity surgical treatment:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Severe, active coronary artery disease</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Obesity-related cardiomyopathy</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Congestive heart failure</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Obstructive sleep apnea with use of CPAP or polysomnogram showing apnea-hypopnea index (AHI) ≥ 15 per hour</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Pickwickian syndrome</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Type 2 diabetes mellitus</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Clinically significant asthma</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Chronic venous insufficiency with pain on weight bearing and persistent edema; or</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Respiratory insufficiency, as evidenced by pCO2 > 50 mmHg, FEV1/FVC < 65%, or DLCO < 60%</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Hypoxemia at rest, as evidenced by pO2 < 55 mmHg on room air</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Severe gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD)</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Severe pain and limitation of motion in any weight-bearing joint or the lumbosacral spine documented by physical examination in association with radiologic findings showing degenerative osteoarthritis</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana"><span style="font: 10.0px Helvetica">→<span class="Apple-tab-span" style="white-space:pre"> </span></span>Patient has <b>at least one </b>of the following:</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">Bariatric Surgery Mar 11</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">2</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">a.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">b. c.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">3.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">d.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">e.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">f. g.</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">Hypertension(bloodpressure>140mmHgsystolicand/or > 90 mmHg diastolic measured with appropriate size cuff) that has not responded to medical therapy Firstdegreerelativewithpremature(age<50) cardiovascular disease</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">Hypercholesterolemia > 240 mg/dL that has not responded to medical therapy</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">Hypertriglyceridemia>400mg/dLthathasnotresponded to medical therapy</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">Lowdensitylipoprotein(LDL)>130thathasnotresponded to medical therapy</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">Highdensitylipoprotein(HDL)<35thathasnotresponded to medical therapy</p> <p style="margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; font: 10.0px Verdana">Impaired fasting glucose > 125 Pulmonaryhypertension</p></div>

Please help science by completing an ANONYMOUS online questionnaire. We are interested in the opinions of adults who have had bariatric surgery and body contouring surgery within the past five years. http://yale.qualtrics.com/SE/?SID=SV_2blFHEywu0OsYDP 1 in 20 participants will win a $50 electronic Amazon.com gift card Sponsored by the National Institutes of Health HIC: 1501015172

You would think that bariatric surgeons would get a lot more nutrition classes!

the sleeve is an easier, less complicated surgery and some surgeons are more comfortable doing that one. If you want bypass and she won't do it, you can always go to another surgeon. Yes - there's a greater risk of complications with a bypass, but the risk of major complications with either surgery is pretty low. I've been hanging around on bariatric surgery sites for around seven years, and yes - although some bypass patients need iron infusions because they don't absorb enough iron from oral tablets, I would say that's definitely not the majority. I went with bypass because it has a longer history and I had GERD. I've had no issues with it and have been very happy with my decision.

This is another study on pubmed from JAMA, comparing bariatric surgery procedures and their complication rates to get a handle on what made things go wrong, if they did. Total complication rate for all surgeries was 1.6 percent. Sleeve surgeries alone had a serious complication rate of 2.2 %; mortality rate for sleeve surgeries was exactly zero. The study said that complications were inversely proportional to how many surgeries the hospital handled, and how many surgeries the surgeon had performed. COE status was irrelevant. http://www.ncbi.nlm....pubmed/20664044

Hi susunorm, welcome to this forum and welcome to Bariatric Pal. We are here to help, we hope you'll like us and want to stay with us a while. If you have any questions, just ask, if I can I'll be happy to answer, if not someone else may have an insight on that subject. We are all individuals but,we each bring a perspective to the travel along the Bariatric Highway, we are co-journeyers to health, fitness and a lower weight. Aren't any of us perfect but we do give it our best shot and doggone if we don't hit the dang- blasted target most of the time. Sent from my VS880PP using BariatricPal mobile app